Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-01-22
JACK FLEGG'S PARTNERSHIP,

Old Josiah Flegg was by no means ten.
derby attached 10 his nephew Jack. The
fact was that as the sole trustee anC
executor OF his late brothers will, Josiah
had been accustomed for many years tc
bully the poor lads widow mother, and
had rendered the poor lady's life burden
to her by tyrannous interference and un.
called for criticism. But when Jack
Flegg, who was the widows eldest son, be-
came old enough TO realize the position OF
affairs he manifested defiant and some
what rebellious spirit toward his uncle
and championed his mother with more
zeal, perhaps, than discretion. The result
was that in course Of time old Josiah dis
covered that his ascendancy over his sister,
in-law had ceased, that his nephews and
nieces would not brook his interference or
listen to his lectures, and that, though well
coined with respect in his late brother
house, he was regarded much in the same
light as an ordinary visitor-or, at best, as
an uncle and guardian, who had no par
ticular claims either TO reverence or atfec-
ton. This was very painful 10 Mr.. Josiah
Flegg's feelings, for, being a pompous,
sanctimonious old humbug, he considered
that he was the benefactor OF his deceased
brothers family, though he would have
found it difficult to justify his pretensous.
Regardless OF his being a rich bachelor, he
was quite incapable of any act Of kindnes;
or generosity, and the general impression
that his nephews and nieces were more or
less dependent upon his bounty was en-
.la- ~
which he grudgingly doled out 10 them
was really derived from the proceeds of his
late brothers estate.
1t is not surprising under these circum-
stances, that old Josiah, being as vindictive
as he was easily cowed, refused to lift a
finger to assist in giving Jack a start in life,
and he was secretly disappointed when the
lad not only succeeded in obtaining q situa-
ton for himself in the city, but even con-
trived to keep it. Nevertheless, the amiable
old gentleman INDUCED himself in the
cheerful conviction that his nephew was a
worthless scamp, and he experienced q
thrill of satisfaction when Jack burst into
his Office one afternoon. looking SO agitated
and anxious that it was evident, at a
glance, that something serious had hap
pened.
" Can you give me five minutes, uncle ?''
inquired his nephew, in much more def
erential tone than usual.
Well. well What is the matter ?" in
quired old Josiah, quickly.
Uncle Josiah, | have come to make an
appeal to your generosity and kindness.
am afraid that have been, perhaps, some
times not quite-well-as respectful as I
might have been-don't you know. But
hope you will forget and forgive all that
was much younger then, you know, and
my mothers health is SO bad that | really
felt bound to stand up for her"
Jack Flegg delivered this speech in such
an eager, breathless, incoherent manner,
so unlike his usual calm demeanor, that a
disinterested observer would Immediately
have suspected the cause of his emotion.
There was a wildness about the set of his
necktie and general disregard of appear
ance in his dress which are sure tokens OF
love-sickness. But old Josiah, not being
accustomed to interpret these tender signs
and being, moreover, of an unsentimental
nature, could arrive at no other conclusion
than that his nephew was drunk.
- Go on, sir 60 on. You have come TO
say that yOu have lost your situation, SUD-
pose, he said sterply.
"Oh, no ~ answered Jack with such easy
assurance that his uncles heart sank,
nothing of the kind. In fact, l should
get q rise next year if I stayed
II you stayed Am You gong 10
stay, them? inquired old Josiah.
That depends upon you, uncle" said
Jack, very humbiy " The fact is that
have no chance where am of making any
thing of an income for years TO come. In
time, no doubt, l should obtain a decent
position, but that will not be for years
until too late, in fact"
81 Too late for what?n inquired old Josiah,
more convinced than ever that his nephew
was intoxicated.
I am coming 10 that, Uncle Josiah.
The truth is, said Jack, looking into the
crown Of his hat and evincing other symp-
toms of embarrassment, the truth is that
/ am engaged
Whew that's it, is it?n said old Josiah,
with an ungenial laugh.
Yes. 1t isn't that Pm in such a tearing
hurry to get married" said Jack, eagerly.
I'm quite prepared to wait a reasonable
time and so is. Louise. But ! hardly like
to so toto her father unless can show
him some better prospect than l have at
present of being able to support a wife. y
No wonder sneered old Josiah, thor
oughly enjoying the youths confusion.
What ! came, then, to ask you, Uncle
Josiah, said Jack, rousing himself, was
whether you could give me an opening
here in your office. OF course, l know
have no claim whatever upon you; but
still, this was originally my fathers bust
ness, and you have no partner. l could get
good testimonials from my present en-
ployers, and ! am sure"
I suppose you would prefer to be senior
partner interrupted old Josiah, sarcas-
tically.
Il don't expect don't ask for minute
to be taken into partnership said Jack,
wincing. | should Of course, hope that
II no ff1Fn ! I rlar aif nav Inv
you would ike to continue the old name
in the firm, and consider that am not an
unfit person to succeed you. You see,
added the lad with q burst of candor
what ! chiefly want is to be admitted tC
your office. Whatever my present salary
and prospects if / were only in your
Office, Mr.. Martineau, knowing you, and
that l am your nephew, would naturally
listen
]" Martineau, What Martineaue" cried
old Josiah, inteTupting the food of Jacks
Grafton.
Mr.. Martineau, OF Mincing lane. 4
wool broker, isn't he2 am sure he knows
you exclaimed Jack
Ohio So the young lady is daughter
of my Old friend Martineau, eh p ex.
claimed old Josiah, startled into exhibiting
surprise.
is quite yosug, only 10. fair. blue eyes
and
What does her father say ?n interposed
his uncle.
We'll, the fact is, l deferred speaking
until had made an appeal TO you, uncle.
answered Jack, descending from the
Clouds OF course, ! dare say, situated
as l am at present. Mr.. &artineau might
might"
q Yes l should think so, indeed, scoffed
old Josiah. Are you aware, young man
that Mr.. Martineau is Sorth 3 quarter of a
Million Pom my word, it is like your
impertinenee TO venture to make love TO
his daughter ~
4" relied-at least I hoped, with your
good word and kind assistance, uncle"
" Did you2" cried old Josiah, his eyes
sparkling with savage satisfaction. " You
imagined, did you, that after the disre-